Money-boy Newton going for the money

[Mr. Laz]

Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season at Auburn and apply for the NFL draft.

Auburn QB Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy and the BCS national title in his junior season. Next up? Applying for the NFL draft. (Matthew Emmons/US Presswire/)

"This decision was difficult for me and my family," Newton said in a statement released by Auburn on Thursday night. "After talking to Coach (Gene) Chizik and Coach (Gus) Malzahn, I think it is best that I make that next step in my career and forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft. It was a very hard decision for me, especially after coming off the great season we had at Auburn. I'm blessed to have been around an excellent environment and have great teammates, coaches and support from the Auburn family.

"It's been a blessing for me to be a part of something so great. Any time you win games it's a big deal, but for this school to win a BCS National Championship, what a way to make people happy. Auburn is a special place that I can call home."

Newton led the Tigers to their first national title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory over Oregon on Monday night.

"We appreciate Cameron's many contributions to Auburn and the outstanding leader that he was for our football team," Chizik said in the statement. "He had one of the greatest individual seasons ever by an Auburn player and was a key part of our championship run. Cam will always be a member of the Auburn family and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

The dual-threat quarterback was both dynamic and controversial. He played under a cloud the last two months of the season after reports surfaced that his father, Cecil, shopped his services during Mississippi State's recruitment of his son.

Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season and passed for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[Miles]

Surprising.

[pr_capone]

[googlegoogle]

We're going to hear all the racism crap when he falls down to the 4th round.

Scrambling qb with off the field issues.

[ChiefsCountry]

Originally Posted by googlegoogle

We're going to hear all the racism crap when he falls down to the 4th round.

Scrambling qb with off the field issues.

You are a dumbass.

[Nightfyre]

I just don't see how his career is going to be worthwhile. Consider the following:
1) He will take three years to develop an aptitude for an NFL style offense/learning to read blitzes, etc.
2) Hes a scrambling QB, meaning he will be getting hit way more than average.
3) A large portion of his value is based on his speed. That diminishes ~30

So he'll be 22 by the time he hits the draft. Three years off the front, he'll be 25 by the time hes ready and if he doesn't get killed he'll be useful until about 31, 32. Seven years upside at a maximum. Compare that to a pocket QB coming from a pro style offense who is good for like fifteen years and its really no comparison IMO.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by Nightfyre

I just don't see how his career is going to be worthwhile. Consider the following:
1) He will take three years to develop an aptitude for an NFL style offense/learning to read blitzes, etc.
2) Hes a scrambling QB, meaning he will be getting hit way more than average.
3) A large portion of his value is based on his speed. That diminishes ~30

So he'll be 22 by the time he hits the draft. Three years off the front, he'll be 25 by the time hes ready and if he doesn't get killed he'll be useful until about 31, 32. Seven years upside at a maximum. Compare that to a pocket QB coming from a pro style offense who is good for like fifteen years and its really no comparison IMO.

It's hard enough to find a franchise QB of any type who can play for 7 years let alone 15 years. Its' a silly argument to say "don't draft the guy because you'll only get 7 years of franchise play".

People said it would take Bradford 3 years to develop an aptitude for the NFL after "being a spread monkey". I'm not saying Newton is as smart or dedicated as Bradford. I have no idea. I do know he is a rare talent. He can throw the ball well. He can deal with adversity. He has led his team from behind in big games. If he seems serious about learning the NFL game, he could be a great QB.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

It's hard enough to find a franchise QB of any type who can play for 7 years let alone 15 years. Its' a silly argument to say "don't draft the guy because you'll only get 7 years of franchise play".

People said it would take Bradford 3 years to develop an aptitude for the NFL after "being a spread monkey". I'm not saying Newton is as smart or dedicated as Bradford. I have no idea. I do know he is a rare talent. He can throw the ball well. He can deal with adversity. He has led his team from behind in big games. If he seems serious about learning the NFL game, he could be a great QB.

Yep. I see Newton as a less accurate, slightly weaker-armed, more-mobile Josh Freeman.

[L.A. Chieffan]

Hide yo laptops!

[Shogun]

Heisman winner

BCS championship winner

why would he stay?

He's just taking a paycut

[pr_capone]

$10 says he is out of the league and penniless within 6 years. 3/4 years with his original team 2/3 between another two teams.

[grandllama]

Originally Posted by pr_capone

$10 says he is out of the league and penniless within 6 years. 3/4 years with his original team 2/3 between another two teams.

I'd say him and Leinart and Russell will start a restaurant / bar in two years when all of them are out of the NFL...

[JoeyChuckles]

Originally Posted by pr_capone

$10 says he is out of the league and penniless within 6 years. 3/4 years with his original team 2/3 between another two teams.

So the Leinart treatment?

[WebGem]

Originally Posted by pr_capone

$10 says he is out of the league and penniless within 6 years. 3/4 years with his original team 2/3 between another two teams.

Oh, so just because this is a possibility he shouldn't enter the draft?

And anyone who doesn't like Cam, I just don't understand that. He's one of the best college football players in recent history. He had one of the single best seasons of all time. How can you not like him?

[pr_capone]

Originally Posted by The Amazing Heel

Oh, so just because this is a possibility he shouldn't enter the draft?

Did I say that?

And anyone who doesn't like Cam, I just don't understand that. He's one of the best college football players in recent history. He had one of the single best seasons of all time. How can you not like him?

I don't like him because of his character. Or lack of.